The Documentary Hypothesis

I have a question about Genesis but first off I want to say thank you Jack for all of your help!

I am a college student and there is so much misinformation about Jesus and Christianity! I am taking a theology course on the Bible and the book that we read along with the Bible states that Moses did not write any books of the Torah and that in Genesis chapter 1 and 2 there is a conflict of how the order of things are created. The book says that in chapter 1 man and woman were created at the same time but that in Genesis chapter 2 man was created and then woman.

I was wondering if you could clarify this. This book also said that Isaac proclaiming Rebekah to be his sister is simply a copy cat story (that it never happened) of Abraham and Sarah can you help with this too? Thank you so much for your time and effort! God Bless!

A

The Book you’re reading follows the teaching of a heresy called “The Documentary Hypothesis” an attempt by some German scholars in the 1800’s to discredit the Bible’s authenticity. Many liberal theologians still subscribe to this teaching, but the bulk of Bible believing scholars and students have rejected it for what it is, an effort by God’s enemies to persuade Christians that the Bible is a man-made book filled with error, not the inspired Word of God. Theology means “The Study of God.” But even though you’re in a theology course, the book you’ve been given was written by people whose primary goal was to cause you to doubt His Word, because over and over again He claims that the Bible is His Word.

Jesus believed that Moses wrote the Torah (Mark 7:9-11), that one man named Isaiah wrote Isaiah (John 12:38-40) and that one man named Daniel wrote Daniel (Matt. 24:15), all refuted by the Documentary Hypothesis. In your study of Scriptures, you’re going to have to decide for yourself whether the Bible is God’s Word or not, whether you’re going to believe a Holy God who has never lied to you, or sinful men who have.

The reason Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 differ in some details is that Genesis 1 is God’s account of Creation and Genesis 2 is Adam’s . And there is no basis, historical or otherwise, to dispute the Biblical account of Isaac and Rebekah. Like the other claims of the Documentary Hypothesis, they’re based on the opinions of men predisposed to doubt the inspired nature of Scripture and looking for evidence to support their doubts. They can’t tell you who wrote the Bible, only that God didn’t.

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Cor. 11:13-15)

About Grace thru Faith

Jack Kelley published over 9,000 Bible Study resources here from 1999, until the Lord called him home in the fall of 2015. His teachings made the Bible clear and easy to understand, and impacted millions of lives. He is the author of all the teachings here, and all materials are available free of charge! His wife Samantha maintains this site as well as their missionary outreaches.